Pasi Rajpasi in India

People Name:	Pasi Rajpasi
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,585,000
World Population:	1,585,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.19 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - Pasi
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The legend about the origin of the community is that one day a man was going to kill a number of cows. Parashuram was at that time practicing austerities in the jungle. Hearing the cries of the sacred animals he rushed to their assistance, but the cow killer was aided by his friends. So Parashuram made five men out of kusha grass and brought them to life by letting drops of his perspiration fall upon them. Hence arose the name Pasi, from the Hindi pasina (sweat).
There are separate Pasi communities, some are Muslim, but most are Hindu. They have subgroups, one of which is the Rajpasi. They are especially numerous in Uttar Pradesh, but they also live in Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Despite this flattering legend, the Rajpasi Pasi people have low status in South Asia, especially among other Hindus. They have "untouchable" status, which is very low. Their occupation involves producing toddy, an alcoholic beverage. Both Hindus and Muslims frown on the use of alcohol, but there is a demand. At one time the Pasi community may have herded pigs.
This community speaks a number of languages, so they might need separate church planting projects for each language group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rajpasi Pasi people practice Hinduism, which has left its mark in all countries of South Asia. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

This community speaks a number of languages. Separate church planting projects may be needed for each language group. Stories from scripture, films, recordings, and gospel radio for each language spoken by the Rajpasi Pasi community will be helpful.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to bless every Pasi community economically and spiritually as a testimony of his goodness and power.
May God overthrow spiritual forces of darkness opposing the spread of his gospel among the Rajpasi Pasi community.
Pray for the followers of Christ that will soon develop within the Rajpasi Pasi community, that the Lord will provide pastors and teachers for them, and for them to become well-grounded in the faith, fully trusting in Christ.
Pray the Rajpasi Pasi community will increasingly be aware of their need to know and follow the creator God.